Bryce Dessner

On March 4, 2023, The National performed an intimate show for 500 people at the Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. There they debuted much of their new album First Two Pages of Frankenstein.

Twenty-five years after their debut, The National continues to improve year after year, whether on record or on stage. While they are among the most important indie bands of this century, they have perhaps never been more popular than they are today. Their recent collaborations with Taylor Swift, who cites them as her favorite group, or with Phoebe Bridgers have allowed them to reach new audiences. Last year was one of the most important for the Cincinnati group, which released two LPs in quick succession and was voted group of the year by Forbes newspaper. Their immaculate discography now includes ten albums and as many reinventions of their signature sound, imbued with sometimes raw, sometimes sophisticated arrangements, and the sensual baritone voice of Matt Berninger. The National will perform for the third time in Montreux, after a concert at Miles Davis Hall in 2008 and at the Montreux Jazz Café in 2012.

31/05/2024, Primavera Sound Barcelona

An 80-minute film that features footage from the band’s 2017 show at Basilica Hudson in New York. The unique concert placed the band in the center of the venue, surrounded by fans, while they performed the entirety of their then-latest record, ‘Sleep Well Beast’.

Icelandic artist and musician Ragnar Kjartansson’s often intensely durational performance-based works manifest a rare synthesis of pathos and humor. A Lot of Sorrow is both a music video and an extended concert film, in which Brooklyn-based band the National performs its three-and-a-half minute ballad “Sorrow” on repeat for six hours. The band’s music and lyrics frequently conjure notions of romantic suffering and melancholy—themes common to Kjartansson’s emotive, theatrical work. As the hours pass and fatigue sets in, the musicians subtly alter their song; the original track is always recognizable but is also shown to be elastic and expressive rather than rigid. Kjartansson is sometimes visible in the role of roadie, offering water and food to the performers throughout the concert. Multiple camera angles grant the viewer access to both the perspective of the musicians and that of the audience, as the band and the crowd feed off each other’s energy with every repetition.

The National headlined at Ypsigrock Festival in Castelbuono, Sicily, Italy in 2019. The concert was shared as part of the band's "Exciting Communal Event series", which launched with a stream of their show at Primavera Sound in summer 2018. The Ypsigrock Festival performance took place in association with The Independent, which hosted the festival's main stage.

Concert documentary of The National's performance at Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2010, interspersed with interview footage of the band.

The National played on October 21, 2017 in the Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany.

Recorded on the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House on February 8th, 2014 with the assistance of Sydney Opera House Trust

The National performed at the New York's historic Beacon Theatre to present their 2019 album and short film project I Am Easy To Find. This concert documentary includes a complete performance of that album, as well as guest appearances from the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, Julien Baker, Mina Tindle, Kate Stables and the American Contemporary Music Ensemble.

The National - Live From Pukkelpop 2019 (recorded August 18, 2019)

In this seven-channel video installation, two pairs of identical twin musicians circle each other, playing the same endless song.

The National's indie rock has taken over the Cork Opera House. On stage, some of the most iconic songs, highlighting the tracks by Sleep Well Beast, Grammy winner for Best Alternative Music Album in 2017.

Mistaken for Strangers follows The National on its biggest tour to date. Newbie roadie Tom (lead singer Matt Berninger’s younger brother) is a heavy metal and horror movie enthusiast, and can't help but put his own spin on the experience. Inevitably, Tom’s moonlighting as an irreverent documentarian creates some drama for the band on the road. The film is a hilarious and touching look at two very different brothers, and an entertaining story of artistic aspiration.

Journey into the creative process of Brooklyn indie rock band the National with this unique documentary. Filmmaker Vincent Moon's cameras follow the band as they make their fourth album, "Boxer," and work to diversify their sound. More than just a technical examination of the recording process, the film uncovers the mental and emotional challenges, collaborative highs and lows, and quest for fresh ideas that drive this -- or indeed any -- band.

Concert at El Castell Embruixat, 03/05/2006